Serena Williams row breaks out as tennis legend snubbed from major honour
Serena Williams has not been included on this year’s International Tennis Hall of Fame ballot after making a sensational return from retirement. The 23-time Grand Slam champion “evolved away” from tennis at the 2022 US Open. But she re-entered the anti-doping pool late last year – a requirement for any retired player who wishes to make a comeback – and returned to action at London’s Queen’s Club this summer. Williams has since played several doubles matches and also lost a close three-set singles match to Maya Joint at Wimbledon. It now remains to be seen whether she continues competing into 2027.
TL;DR
- Serena Williams is ineligible for the International Tennis Hall of Fame ballot this year due to her return to professional tennis.
- The Hall of Fame rules require a five-year gap since a player was a 'significant factor' on the tour.
- Williams' comeback potentially delays her eligibility until at least 2031.
- Andy Roddick has criticized the Hall of Fame's regulations as 'outrageous'.
- Ash Barty, Juan Martin del Potro, and Svetlana Kuznetsova are nominated for the 2027 ballot.
- Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, was inducted this summer after meeting the criteria.